We have some very sad news to pass along to everyone. We received a call today from Kayla (Golden Hawk's daughter). Kayla is with her grandpa & family.
We have been asked to let everyone know that Golden Hawk has taken his own life today. Please keep LeRoy, his daughter Kayla, and his family in your prayers.
This news has shocked us, and we are sad to pass it along.
Sue & Kevin TerMaat
Thoughts and prayers from Maine.
Prayers from Ma.
I am so sorry........JohnB
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob & Janet
Prayers Sent...........
Sad, Sad, news....many prayers sent.
Billy
I had only dealt/talked with Golden hawk a couple of times. He seemed to be a very nice person and I am sure he will be missed. My prayers have been said for him....
That's heartbreaking news.....God bless Kayla and family. Prayers up now....
Prayers sent.
Prayers for LeRoy and his family brought before the Lord. It is hard to imagine what pressure or pain would bring a man to this decision, we will aks for the Lord's mercy.
<")))>< Michael
Prayers sent from here as well. Leroy will definately be missed by mt family.
Hard to believe. prays
Tragic, shocking...no words to express my thoughts for what his family must be going through. Leroy and I were to hook up again at Cloverdale this year.
You are already missed my friend.
>>>>-------------->
Very sad news indeed. I dealt with and talked with Leroy several times. Very sad news..
Is this the fella that made strings? Wow... In any case, may Our Heavenly Father comfort the family..
Prayer's sent. This is very sad to hear. I had dealt with LeRoy in the past, it was a pleasure dealing with him.
Praying that both his family and friends may be comforted.
That is so sad. Our Prayers go out to the family and friends.
Hate to hear such news. Prayers for all involved.
prayers sent, hate to hear such sad news
Prayers sent
Not long ago we pm'ed back and forth about meeting up at Cloverdale. I am deeply saddened and will pray for peace and understanding for the family.
Wow!! Those that knew him well I know what it feels like to have a friend take their life. You can't put it into words and the disbelief is incredible. He will be missed. Prayers to his family and friends as well as GoldenHawk.
This is very sad to hear I've traded with LeRoy and it was a pleasure. Prayers for him and his family.
Sad news, God bless him and his family!
prayers sent.
Prayers and tears sent and shared. I am so sorry for your loss.
Oh my I am speechless. Leroy was a great man. I had the pleasure of sharing deer camp with him this past fall. He was one of a kind and will never be forgotten!!
Tim
Words can not express..... His family are in our prayers!
Prayers sent....
He mailed a string to me yesterday. Should be here tomorrow. I am shocked and saddened.Speechless. I am truly sorry for the family's loss.
Brian
Here's a story to share about Leroy.
I met him at Cloverdale just last year. We camped together and became good friends in just 3 short days. Over the weeks we continued to send emails, PM's etc....
About August of last year He received what I call the "Bumble Bee". It's an Osage/Zircote RER Vortex. An out an out gorgeous bow and Leroy sent me pictures and I think he even posted it on here. I told him I thought it was a fantastic looking bow and that I was thinking of having one made.
Well, about a week later, I came home from work and here's this long tube in my garage. I open it up and here Leroy had sent me this brand new bow, telling me to shoot it and just send it back whenever I was finished with it.
That's just one example of the kind of guy he was.
I just talked with him a couple of weeks ago! Have bought several strings from him too and was a SUPER guy to deal with.
May the Lord bless and keep his family at this sad time.
:campfire: I'll see you at the great campfire LeRoy :campfire:
I didn't know Leroy, but I enjoyed reading his posts and seeing all the great bows he had. Is it possible for someone who knows Leroy's family to see if they need any financial help?
I sure the Tradgang family would be happy to help out....maybe set up a fund for donations.
Billy
Prayers sent for LeRoy and family. :pray:
Leroy and I got to be friends through TG over the past couple years. I finally met him face to face at C-Dale last year. He sure enjoyed shootin and huntin. The human mind is a very strange animal, I hope somebody figures it out some day. We'll miss ya old buddy, our prayers are with you and your family. Peace Brother.
Dave
Like Tim fishell, i am also speechless... i had leroy up to michigan to share our camp last october...great guy ..we did many trades and i sent him feathers, he sent me strings.... he loved his daughter and spoke about her and the longbow she got...... this is a very very sad day!! prayers are out to his family and especially his daughter...steve
kayla bow...... (http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii152/jacobsladdergrice/kaybow003.jpg)
Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Mike
Man, he made a few strings for me. He was an honest man. Hope and pray that his family will get along and deal with this tragic loss of a Father, Son and a friend. Missed in PA.
Chad
What shocking news. I an deeply saddened by this tragic news. I have spoke and dealt with LeRoy a few times. It was always like speaking to a friend each time. Prayers for his Family and may he rest in peace.
Thats devastating and really is truelly sad.He was great guy!!!God bless his family and friends.
Rest in peace Brother.
I tradded with him to in the past. I wish his family the best!
Went bear hunting last year with him. He was a great guy. We would PM each other every once and a while. Funny thing I was just thinking about how I havent heard from him in a while. He will be missed.
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/jesseminish/Leroy.jpg)
This is LeRoy for those who dont know him.
He will be missed,,,,,,,,,By many,,,,,,,,God love ya man,, Jason B.
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c175/whitbuffalo/IMG_1377-1.jpg)
I have no words.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Killdeer/Ashburn%20Habitat/June17morning.jpg)
Prayers forthe family
Prayers sent.
Prayers sent...
prayers sent
My thoughts and prayers for the ones left behind.
Very very sad day!! Prayers sent for him and his family.
RIP buddy, will miss our emails and PMs about our RERs. Prayers for your family.
I am saddened by this as many others are; he was a pleasure to deal with.
He made a string for me and my best friend earlier this year and they are amazing. I will be turkey hunting in the morning with a bow that wears his string. I hope to take a turkey in honor of him.
Is there a collection being taken for his daughter?
I'm at the very least going to send a card.
Josh
Prayers sent from Alabama. May God bless his family and friends.
Man, I just talked with him a few days ago...
I'm just flat out in shock.
He is and always will be a great man, honest, caring and you couldn't find a better person to call friend or brother! I got to share deer camp with him last year...prayers sent to his daughter, and everyone who knew him. It's a great loss to all.
I sent him a couple of PM's about his Zipper that he had for sale. I feel bad and I didn't even know him at all.
Bless his family.
Chris
I only met him this year, I'm deeply sad from hearing this. Prayers from Bret and Ruthanne.
A real shock to hear this news. Leroy was one of the first to call me and offer bow strings for bows that we send over to Iraq. He and his family is on our prayer list.
so sorry to hear that :pray: for the family . may the spirit of the wolf watch over you my friend happy hunting.
That brought many tears to me to hear this news . I concider all of you as friends and I care for my friends . Me and Leroy did some trading a few times and talked on the board many times . To me he was a stand up guy , I will pary for him and his family to find peace . You will be missed Leroy .
Mike
I've shot with LeRoy a couple of times last year. I spoke with him a few times and planned on meeting up with him again this summer. He was always great to shoot with.
Prayers go out to Kayla and family. LeRoy, you are surely going to be missed. Rest in peace my friend.
Chris
Prayers and condolences for him and his family in these trying times. I never knew him but it sure seems that it would have been a pleasure to have called him a friend. Tge
Heartfelt condolences to his family & all he touched.
from leroy to his daughter kayla
(http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii152/jacobsladdergrice/kaybow003.jpg)
Words canot express the shock and grief I feel.
Lord, please lift up our friend to you so that he may find true peace and happiness through you. Prayers sent to the family and friends.
Prayers from our home.
I will never know what truly was behind his decision. Suicide has touched me too many times, it is a saddening, a weight laid upon my heart, and of course demands some time spent in introspection as I peruse my reasons to continue or not.
He was an honest man, and made a better string than most. I bought some, and was looking forward to placing an order, along with the string I won at the bunny hunt raffle...he donated to so many causes. This was a good man, with a good and giving heart.
The big question, the WHY, will always be between him and his Maker. But it makes me pause and think, and reassess, and be glad of the blessed bond between the Maker and the man, and know that all is in the hands of the wisest, and the blesser of us all.
Like the rest of us, I wish that I could have said something, done something, given him pause, just enough to have kept him with us. But there was another trail for him, and I cannot fathom the WHY. That is for the One Above.
I am so saddened.
Killdeer
Prayers and deepest sympathy.
Prayers for family and friends as well as eternal peace for the soul of Golden Hawk.
Our prayers are with the family. May the Lord ease their pain and give them comfort.
Froggy
I am so sorry to hear this. Prayers sent.
I am truely saddened by this news. My deepest sympathy to the family.
I have never had any dealings with Golden Hawk, but I felt like I knew him from his post. I'll let Killdeer put it into words as she does so well. My family's prayers are with his family.
Jr.
I just talked to Chester Carlson (LeRoy's Dad) and informed him about all the prayers being sent for LeRoy & his family. They appreciate the prayers and are holding together "ok". The service arrangements will be made tomorrow.
Cards for the family can be sent to:
Chester Carlson
701 S. Division Ave
Polo, IL 61064
Thanks to all,
Sue
Prayers for Leroy's family.
I'M VERY SORRY TO HEAR THIS.MY PRAYERS SENT TO LEROY AND HIS FAMILY.
Great Spirit, Please welcome my Friend to his place at the "Eternal Campfire"
This is a very sad day.
Prayers for Leroy and his family. May the Lord smile down upon all of them...
PRAYERS SENT FOR LEROY AND HIS FAMILY MR BILL RI
Very sad news indeed. Thoughts and prayers for family and friends. I'm in shock.
Prayers sent from Rhode Island
My prayers for Leroy and his family,very sad to hear.
Very sad news.Did'nt know him but a tragety never the less.Prayers sent from Bama.tradrick
Will be in my prayers...
We had just exchanged PMs last night, he was making me a string. Prayers sent from Kansas City.
LeRoy was a kind and generous fellow. I just received a string from him a couple of days ago. It is perfect, as he was - as a friend to us all. We shared bows and stories and he was and will always be one of my favorites here. It is impossible for me to imagine what can make a man smile one day and take all smiles away on another. This is all just too impossible to imagine. Our hearts hunger for answers and our minds beg for one more time... Many of you knew him much better than I; and I am greatly saddened for you. This grief cuts to the soul. I will not rest well tonight. I'm sorry LeRoy. I'm sorry. God bless his family and his friends.
Well said, Danny. Prayers for the family.
I must say I am very saddened to hear this trajic news. I had the privelage of meeting Leroy and six of his hunting buddies last fall on their way to a bear hunt in Chapleau, Ontario. Our prayers go out to his family, and God Bless you Leroy,.....Lloyd
Very sad news. Prayers sent.
Scott
Very saddened indeed. My thoughts and condolences to his family
Jake
Prayers sent for the family!
Prayers for Leroy and his family.
Kurt
We had never met, but I spoke with him on the phone earlier this week. Our prayers and condolences go to his family and friends. Killdeer and Jedimaster said it well.
I did not know him, but these kind words about him from his friends tell me much.
I am sorry for his passing and offer my sympathy.
I am so saddened by this news. I bought a string from him last year (and liked it very much). Turned out that we had a mutual acquaintance/friend from his home town. Enjoyed pm'ing him about that.
I was just thinking about him this week. He had talked about coming out to the Iowa Traditional Bowhunter Societies Rendezvous last year, but for some reason couldn't come. I was wondering if he was thinking about it again. oh man, this really stinks. Prayers for Kayla and for Sue and Kevin TerMaat. He was RER's biggest fan. Truly sorry for your loss.
Prayers for him and his...
God bless
What a horrific tragedy. Prayers to his family and aquaintences....
Tragic. :(
Prayers sent.
Mike
Horrible news. :(
I'd never met him but had swapped some goodies and a bunch of PM's...sad news indeed.
This news is very sad. I met Leroy last year at cloverdale. I have bought a few items off from him in the past and traded some items too.
Some time back I was wanting to try some 4 inch bananna feathers . He PM'ed me and offered to chop some for me. He done it for free and would not take any money for his services. When I shipped my full length feathers to him I slipped in a whole bunch of shield cuts and told him to keep them. He was good people and a great person to deal with.
It is very sad that life gets soo bad that it has to come to this. No one will never know what he was thinking. I hope his family pulls through this situation.
Prayers sent for Leroy and his family.
Leroy, you will be sadly missed.
We'll keep him and his family in our prayers.
Prayers for the family. Such a tragic loss for the family and friends.
I feel very sad and sorry for you all loosing somebody like this who is close to so many in your bowhunting fraternity - and under such desperately sad circumstances.
One often wonders in times like this if any signs could have been detected or if anybody could have helped. What drives a man to do such a desperate thing - only God and eternity can reveal.
Blessings to the family and those who suffer at this time - Sutto
im shocked, speechless i am so sorry for your lost Leroy was a great guy, very sad news.
I won one of his strings at Shawn's bunny hunt, when I spoke with him on the phone he was very friendly and trusted my word that I had indeed won one of his string's and didn't want me to bother sending in the card for proof. This news makes me very sad, prayers sent out for him and his family.
Tears shed for a member of our family, prayers for Leroy and his family.
My sincere condolences to the family.
Regards,
Dave
Very sad news! I'm very sorry to hear this! LeRoy was a great guy and a pleasure to deal with! He will be missed! Prayers and thoughts for his family!
I've had some time to think about this, and you just done pissed me off LeRoy.
5 O'clock in the morning and here I sit, thinking about what a fool thing you done.
I'm sighning off on this one and I'm not coming back again.
prayers from mo
Really sad to learn the lost of a "brother" , it's how i call me the first time we talk each other and remember saying to myself "What a great place , that Trad Gang familly "
Deep thought to Leroy and is familly , it was a pleasure to talk to him .
Eric .
Very sad news. Too often there are no signs of what is to come and that is the hard part for friends and family, I know and I have dealt with this too many times. I will say a prayer for Leroy's friends and family and know that he hurts no longer. :(
I talked to Leroy a few times on the phone and he made a few strings for me. All of excellent quality. Recently, one of the strings I ordered didn't fit a bow I had ordered it for, Leroy called me and told me he was shipping me one that would fit. Remember, I guessed as to the size string my new bow would need and I ordered the wrong size, and this nice man was sending me out a new string and didn't want anything in return. Told me to hold onto the other string that I may need it someday. Speaks volumes as to his character. Once I was in the basement on the phone talking to him and when I was done with my call my wife said she could hear me laughing all the way upstairs. Being new to traditional archery as I am, Leroy was always giving me lots of advice and he always talked to me such a down to earth style that would crack me up. He told me what was what and what he thought was guff and I appreciated it. I will miss talking to him and his great strings. Prayers sent.
terrible new'si only talked to leroy once but that was enough to know that i would have liked him and called him friend.prayers and thoughts for him and his family in these trying times.robert
I am shocked by this tragic news. Prayers sent for Leroy and his family.
I never got to know Leroy like some of you did. But that doesn't matter. What matters is one the family has gone and no matter why or how, it is a sad loss to all of us.
My prayers go up for his family and all his friends.
Prayers to the family. I pray also that you find peace Leroy. Jim
Oh dear Lord....what terrible, tragic news. I am without words. Multiple deals and conversations with him, was always a joy to speak with. As others have said, he's already missed. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Prayers that God will grant you the peace that you so greatly need.
And just in case there are others out there in whatever unspeakable agony LeRoy was in who read this thread, please...please...seek out help, find someone to talk to about it, you have people who love you and care for you...and that is worth living for no matter how bad it gets.
Well said JC.
Prayers sent.
Prayers sent for the family and friends.
My heart hurts for his daughter.
I read Bowferds post and I understand. It seems so selfish but I have been there...right on the edge. I had a loaded .44mag on my lap on night for several hours while I was going through an ugly divorce. This was only a couple years ago friends. The only thing that kept me from doing it was the thought of my kids finding me like that. What ever he was going through must have left him in such a desparate state he saw no other way out. I never think of these forums as that personal that I can discuss a part of my life like this but I feel I must as one who has been there and until now no one knew about it. It is a place I never want to visit again.
I went to the Prayers/Concern forum to see if he had posted anything there about what he was going through. I couldnt find anything. He might have gotten something there that might have shed some light on what he was going through...maybe not. Regardless that forum is there and the folks who are regulars there care.
Tradgang gets bashed by some of the other forums but some of you people are my friends even though I have never heard your voice nor met you. I feel like I know you and I talk about you like you are my hunting buds. Something like this hits close to home and is very disturbing. I hope some good comes from this.
As Killdeer and Jedimaster said, Prayers sent from IL.
I am so sorry. Prayers have been sent. George
My prayers are sent.
May he rest in peace.
prayers sent for friends and family
leroy has been coming to our club ( blackhawk field archers ) for the last 2 years off and on and i have talked to him every time he was here, one time he and i had a long talk at my camper and he said nothing that would give a clue as to something like this.
A great guy and a great daughter i met her at the Big foot shoot when she got the new bow.
I don,t know what to say, so God Bless
Harold
Prayers Sent........
Prayers from Iowa for his family and friends.
It is such a tradgedy when the mind robs us of the ability to gain or hold on to perspective.
I will lift up prayers for all who have been touched by this tragedy. May GOD grant us all a measure of his peace that surpasses all understanding.
Im just new here but eny body from this family ( TG ) it is a great loss. My prayers to all the family - Hard Head -
Prayers to the family!!! I'll always remember Ituksum Bear Camp!!!!!
Here's LeRoy up in his bearstand...
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b147/fireman_3311/BearHunt07/DSC01939.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b147/fireman_3311/BearHunt07/DSC01991.jpg)
I am shocked and saddened by this news. I will pray for Leroy and his family.
JL
Prayers sent for his family that they find some comfort and understanding. In our prayers.
OH my god!! I just saw this!!! My heart goes out to his family. Leroy was a true friend of mine. We have never met in person but he was a great guy. He made all my strings and was always there for me, with his donations to my bunny hunt and his great sense of humor. I am truly sick over this. May peace be with him and with his family!! Shawn
Prayers sent to family and friends from CT.
I do not have words to express my sadness. I did not know Leroy, but did buy a couple of strings from him. Great to deal with. I can not fathom the terrible agony he must have been going through to do this. I wish there was something I could do for the family. If any one hears of a memorial fund for his daughter, please let me know. My prayers go out to his daughter and family.
Donald
I could not post last night when I first read this. Did not know Leroy that well, be met him one time at the RER booth at the Wi. Deer & Turkey Expo last year. He was almost as exited as I was when I ordered my new Arroyo. Let me borrow his expensive Carbon arrows to test drive a bow as well. I sent him some bright pink full length feathers a year or so ago to go with the pink bow he had just gotten for his daughter. Very nice gentleman, will be sorely missed. Prayer as well to his family and friends.
My heart goes out to his daughter an family.I hope Leroy has found peace.
May God give him and his family peace.
Just read this .
I didn't know him but its shocking to hear this.
My God Bless Him.
My heart and prayers goes to his family.
prayers for family and friends devine peace be with you all
Prayers from Maine. May he find the peace that we all seek.
I just got off the phone with Sue, it was a long emotional conversation. She will be posting more info about how we may send cards and or letters or whatever to Leroys family. Everyone please make sure ya tell your family how much ya love them and as JC said anyone who may have these thoughts or feelings please tell your loved ones about them, remember what this does to your loved ones!! Peace to Leroys entire family!! Shawn Cards may be sent to
Chester Carlson
701 S. Division Ave.
Polo IL. 61064
Prayers from Iowa.
Prayers for the family.
Like Shawn and others, I never met LeRoy in person, but have considered him a good friend for some time. I ordered a bowstring from him a long time ago and he made every one since. Having not been able to get on the site much lately, I am shocked and deeply saddened by this news, as I'm sure anyone who ever had any dealings with this man is. He and his family will be in my family's thoughts and prayers and I will spend time contemplating this tragic loss for some time to come...
Just talked to him about some strings a couple weeks ago. Very sad, prayers sent for LeRoy and his family.
Burnsie
Prayers for Leroy's family. :pray:
Very sad, thoughts and prayers to his family to help them thru this terrible time.
......Prayers sent-----Wow---I have followed some of his posts on RER bows---I know they were his favorite..........
Prayers sent for Leroys family
I must have looked at that zipper he had on the classified a couple hundred times...wish I had done more than just look at it...
It is times like these that drive home what matters...all this stuff with the rat race that sometimes life turns into doesn't. Friends, family, fellowship...that is what is important...
What a deal...wish we could do something more, but thoughts and prayers...
I'm in shock.
I had the pleasure of sharing a bear camp with Leroy last fall and was looking to seeing him again this fall as we had both booked hunts again for the same week.
A good hunter, a great stringmaker and a all around good guy.
I'm a little too shaken up to say any more other than I'm very saddened to hear this and all my thoughts go out to his family. His passing is a loss to all of us.
prayers sent from oklahoma
All my bows wear leroy's strings. He was great to deal with and to talk to, and like many here we know the tragedy of loosing someone special in our lives.
I know how I felt when my dad took his own life in 85 and it is a feeling I wish his family didn't have to feel.
prayers sent for Kayla and the carlson family.
Fly High Brother Hawk Fly High.
I did not know Leroy, but my prayers are sent. I had a sister that did this and the pain is unimaginable. Please Lord, pour out Your grace upon this family, Amen.
In my own family we have known this type of sorrow and who can say why people do this. To most it would seem unthinkable. I have known Leroy for a few years and never would have suspected him capable. All I can say is he must have felt he had no other choice, no one to talk to. I am sure in that, he was mistaken and there were plenty close by that cared a lot and would have loved to help him. There are better ways to resolve a problem, nothing is so final or bad to choose this path. As said before, if anyone ever thinks this is the way please talk to someone. I know how much the friends and family left behind hurt, I have felt this pain. People never really know how or who will miss them, more always care than we realize.
I pray for Leroy and I pray for peace in his family's heart. I pray they have the strength to endure the hard days to come and will heal.
This is truly tragic news and very sad.
Regards to all here,
Bill
Prayers for the family he always responded when I had a guestion about turning my RER bows. Only our LORD knows whats going on in a man heart and soul. May our good LORD guide and direct the family in their time of need.
My prayers for comfort, strength, and healing go out to the family during this tragic time.
Greg
I just talked to Chester Carlson (LeRoy's Dad) and his sister Annette. It sounds like they will be setting up a fund for Kayla and Chester will be the trustee. Any money that is raised should be sent to Chester Carlson, 701 S. Division Ave, Polo, IL 61064. This is Kayla's grandfather, which is more appropriate than sending it directly to Kayla. Chester is a very honest man and will make sure any donations are used appropriately.
Tuesday night is the wake (Polo Family Funeral Home) and the Funeral is on Wednesday.
I also talked briefly to Chester about Shawn's idea to purchase one of LeRoy's bows to help the family. Whatever money is raised will be given to the family for funeral expenses and Kayla's fund. RER Bows will also donate a bow to this cause. I will need help in setting this up.
I told Chester that we hope to do this in a couple weeks, which he appreciated. This is still such a shock to the family and they need some breathing time right now.
Also, the family has been following the posts and printing them out. They can not express the their heartfelt appreciation enough.
Sue
I just talked to Chester Carlson (LeRoy's Dad) and his sister Annette. It sounds like they will be setting up a fund for Kayla and Chester will be the trustee. Any money that is raised should be sent to Chester Carlson, 701 S. Division Ave, Polo, IL 61064. This is Kayla's grandfather, which is more appropriate than sending it directly to Kayla. Chester is a very honest man and will make sure any donations are used appropriately.
Tuesday night is the wake (Polo Family Funeral Home) and the Funeral is on Wednesday.
I also talked briefly to Chester about Shawn's idea to purchase one of LeRoy's bows to help the family. Whatever money is raised will be given to the family for funeral expenses and Kayla's fund. RER Bows will also donate a bow to this cause. I will need help in setting this up.
I told Chester that we hope to do this in a couple weeks, which he appreciated. This is still such a shock to the family and they need some breathing time right now.
Also, the family has been following the posts and printing them out. They can not express the their heartfelt appreciation enough.
Sue
Very sad indeed!Prayers sent for the family and especialy Kayla. :pray:
Man I just read this and am sick over it... I can't even say in words... I'll be praying for the family...
He'll be missed
My heart goes out to his little girl, and his family.
I hope anyone out there who is feeling vulnerable, overwhelmed, and believes that there is no other choice see's this thread and see's that there are people who truly care no matter the distance. We can't help if we don't know, you will not be judged, or thought less of.
Prayers sent for Leroy and his family.
Tim.
Leroy and I bowfished together and shot together many of times I learned much about him in the little time we had together.leroy was a good man and a giving man he loved traditional archery and hunting.I dont know what happened or why, but I wish he would have called to talk.My heart is greatly saddened by this loss and my prayers go out to his kin.He will be missed.God bless you leroy!Tell Fred Bear i said hi.Jonesy
Like many others here, I didn't know LeRoy but I have read many of his posts. He sounds like a fine man. So many can put it so well, especially Killy.
My prayers are with him and his family and friends. May God help them through the tough times ahead.
My heartfelt prayers to the family.
I have stood on that edge and peered into that abyss. Not something I would wish on anyone. Pure agony with seemingly one way out. May the Lord keep him and provide rest for his weary soul.
Hard to understand for folks who have never fought that battle. It can get to a point where there is just no reaching out.
Scotty
My prayers go out for the family! The first time I had dealing with LeRoy was when Rob K gave the bow away and others like Mr. Vic, and JC, myself, and LeRoy pitched in, and my young cousin "Joshua" was the one Rob K chose to recieve the items. LeRoy sent Joshua a string but it somehow got lost in the mail and never made it here. After telling LeRoy that Joshua failed to get the string, it was only a few days and Joshua recieved 2 strings! Beautiful strings at that! Two colors with a tracer strand. Young Joshua was sure proud of those strings.
I never met LeRoy face to face, but I've seen the joy he brought to a young mans face!
Soar high LeRoy! GOD BLESS!
hnh
My Prayers are with all of his family and friends. May the good Lord comfort all during this tragedy. From the sounds of these posts Leroy was a wonderful person. He now looks down upon us all and will protect us.
Mike
I got a string from him a little over a week ago. One of the best strings I've ever had. I used to have a bow that I got in a roundabout way that had his name on it. Funny how small this world can be at times. I hate to hear this.........
Shannon and i are sitting here in total shock. I just got on here for the first time in several days and read the news. I just don't know what to say or what to think. LeRoy stayed with us and hunted last fall. He was planning on coming back this year to try again on these Ohio bucks. I really don't know what to say.
I love ya bro..I will miss you!
I'll sure miss going around the Blackhawk Field Archers coarse with Jonesy and Leroy this year. I really enjoyed their company. We swapped many good hunting stories and I was made to feel real welcome by those two friends. Prayers said for the family. I hope they receive comfort and understanding from Our Lord to help them heal and get through this great loss. Craig Carroll
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family for their loss. I have corresponded with Leroy several times and got a couple of strings from him. Was always helpful in any way he could be. God bless, Leroy. Mark
I first read this right after it was posted, before anybody responded. I was just as much at a loss for words then as I am now.
I did not have the good fortune to know LeRoy other than through his posts here on TradGang. But from what I have seen, the world could certainly use more people like LeRoy.
My thoughts and prayers go out to LeRoy and his family.
Just got in and read this. Total disbelief. MEt Leroy at Cloverdale last year and he camped with us at Otto's/Ferret's camp. We did some trading and he gave my kids all something before the weekend was over. Prayers for the one's left behind.
Hello Carlsons,
I bought some strings from Leroy,I had a bow that I did not know the length on and emailed Leroy,I never finished the deal(did not know what I needed) a few weeks later Leroy PM'ed me said "hey Are you interested in those strings" and went thru some measurements with me and I added a few other strings to the order,I received the strings, and the unknown one fit exactly, 3 of my other bows wear Leroy's strings.
Leroy was a very good man to deal with.
My heart goes out to you,
Kurt Bellefeuille
PS: Thank You, Kevin and Sue,
for including us.
I'm really bummed I can't amke the funeral....Its closure I would need. Saturday I'm going to my church and I'll hold a plenanary indulgence prayer for him is his jorney beond this world.Tim Fishell and I today went fishing today,, One of Leroys other favorites to do,, We bass fished and talked about last fall at Leota with leroy, We had some funny stories to share about him.
Love ya man and I'll be praying for you saturday bro,,JB
I'm another that has been gone and just learned of this today on my way home.
No words can describe the sadness it brings me, for Leroy and the pain he must have been enduring, and also for the family he left behind. My heart breaks, and my thoughts are with you. How difficult it must be we can only imagine, but please take some small comfort in knowing how Leroy has touched so many here. He will be deeply missed by us all.
I hated hearing this up at Hickory (Danny of WV passed it on to me). Always such a loss and so hard to graspe. Even harder on those close that are remaining, as there can be little or no understanding for them. May the good Lord give them strength.
I just got back from Alberta and saw this. I bought a bow from LeRoy a few months ago. He was a pleasure to deal with.
My prayers go out to him and his family.
Jaz
I am so sorry to hear this news, my heart and prayers are for his family!
Prayers for Kayla.... I spent quite a bit of time shooting with Leroy working on his form and technique... I also learned a few tricks and taught a few to him... He will be greatly missed at the upcoming shoots.
Austin
Prayers sent. May God's peace rest on the family.
Wells
yeah Bernie! that was news that I really hated to pass on. made several deals with LeRoy and each and every one was always a VERY smooth transaction. very sad for the loss and will keep his daughter and family in my thoughts and prayers.
sorry to hear the news I was at his house a few months ago and shot out in the yard with hem for a while and had dinner with him.. he was a great guy he did a lot for the archery community.
so sad to hear this he was a great guy
prayers sent out to his great father and his daughter kayla
rob jones
This is very sad news.Good bye LeRoy. :(
Dang havent heard from him in a while was wondering what happened.God bless his family.
I'm shocked, I'm saddened and I'm sick over this news. I don't know how I managed to miss it. I'm praying for Karla and the rest of the Carlson family. I have four strings that LeRoy made for me and they are great strings. I'm at a total loss for words, and it's not often that I find myself in that quandary.
Bill
A TRUE SADNESS. PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH AND PEACE FOR ALL.
Guys and Gals, Tim fishell and I are gonna have something in the works to raise a bit of money to put in a trust for Leroys daughter. it will be a few weeks as I am having surgery but we have several donations already, if ya want to donate anything to the cause, e-mail or Pm me. Just be patient as I am gonna be laid up a while. Thanks! Shawn
This shocked me as well. I'm just finding this thread. I didn't know Leroy much at all but I did do a White Elephant exchange with him and he was a generous man. My prayers to his family.
Anything new on a fund raiser?
Rick
I just heard this news last night. LeRoy and I used to go stumping once in a while when he lived in Lanark, but not too much since he moved to Polo.
I had not talked to him in a while cause things have been busy with work and my new son (That's no excuse) so when I heard this I felt like I had been sucker punched in the stomach.
Don't know what else to say, other than I pray for his family and will miss him.
Everyone talks on here about his generosity, the first time I met him we got together and he was gonna show me how to make a bowstring. And he made me a flemish jig which he gave to me. He would not take anything for it no matter how hard I tried. I still have it and will treasure it.